Client: Immanuel Medical Center

Location: Omaha, NE, United States

Completion date: 2012

Artwork budget: $125,000

Project Team

Landscape Architect

Andy Holmquist

Lanoha Nurseries

Artist

Matthew Placzek

Overview

Located in the new Inspiration Garden of Immanuel Medical Center, "Serenity" is a 15 foot sculpture featuring hand-sculpted bronze doves seemingly flying around a stainless steel globe. A second piece, "Harmony" consists of a 14 foot chime, surrounded by a 18 foot long butterfly screen. Providing beauty in this healing garden, people come to escape, relax and reflect amongst these inspiring sculptures. The stainless steel chimes create a beautiful, soothing sound with the breeze as hope and rejuvenation are symbolized in the elegant butterfly screens.

Goals

Since the beginning of time, humans have sought healing places in sacred groves and caves. The goal for Immanuel Medical Center was to create sculptures that would provide a therapeutic setting for healing and reflection. It can teach, encourage, and inspire patients and visitors alike. The sculpture is aimed to encourage the use of the senses with sound, touch, and sight, using nature's beautiful elements. The peaceful sounds of the chime sculpture "Harmony", and the soothing sound of water from the sculpture "Serenity", help to create a tranquil healing garden.

Process

Renowned Omaha-native sculptor, Matthew Placzek, was asked to create sculpture concepts for the Inspiration Garden as a collaboration with landscape artist, Andy Holmquist. Together Matthew and Andy created an oasis for patients and visitors. Introducing other elements of artwork, such as water and sound, the atmosphere was enhanced, as natural elements were used to encourage healing, which is a critical element in the healing environment.

Additional Information

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